Author Topic: Fantastic Fan Won't Open  (Read 23144 times)

Rick Vyncke

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Fantastic Fan Won't Open
« on: July 25, 2014, 02:49:43 AM »
The fantastic fan in our 2004 Marquis worked until this past weekend.  Now the dome will not lift open either automatically or when the handle is moved down (manual open mode) and then cranked.  

When in automatic mode the motor can be heard attempting to open the dome but it does not lift.
When the handle is pulled to the manual position the handle spins freely.  

Seems that something has broken inside of the lift mechanism.  Any ideas?  Are parts available to repair or do we need to buy a new fan.

Guidance appreciated.  Thanks
Rick V
2004 Beaver Marquis, Garnet (3 slides)
43'
C12

Stan Simpson

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Re: Fantastic Fan Won't Open
« Reply #1 on: July 25, 2014, 02:54:16 AM »
Rick,

I believe that Fantastic Fans are guaranteed for life. Several posts on this forum and others have mentioned that a phone call to them produces a new unit shipped, free.

Stan
Stan Simpson & Becky Glover & Moe the cat
2005 Monterey Laguna IV
C9 400 Cat
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Rick Vyncke

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Re: Fantastic Fan Won't Open
« Reply #2 on: July 25, 2014, 03:12:46 AM »
Wow!  That would be fantastic!   ;)  
Rick V
2004 Beaver Marquis, Garnet (3 slides)
43'
C12

Dick Simonis

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Re: Fantastic Fan Won't Open
« Reply #3 on: July 25, 2014, 03:49:26 AM »
The problem is probably with the pot metal gearbox...at least it was with mine.  Fantastic shipped replacements and later a new control unit for the price of shipping.

Howver, I have heard that his is no longer the case unless you are the original owner....could be wrong though so a phone call would be worthwhile.  Regardless, I doubt there are expensive and the CS team is very knowledgeable and helpful.

Bob Stone

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Re: Fantastic Fan Won't Open
« Reply #4 on: July 25, 2014, 04:34:17 AM »
This issue of failure to open the vents has been raised in the past. Apparently heat and or a period of non use causes the vent cover to stick to the gasket when closed. Attempts to open the cover when stuck causes either the gears to strip or break the opening mechanism. The opening mechanism in both my Fantastic fans have been broken and repaired by previous owner.

Bob

neil omalley

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Re: Fantastic Fan Won't Open
« Reply #5 on: July 25, 2014, 05:48:51 AM »
Rick: it used to be Fantastics were guaranteed for life. Rumor has it since being aquired by Atwood their policies have changed. Please post your experiences with them. Thanks.
« Last Edit: July 25, 2014, 04:40:32 PM by 282 »

Joel Ashley

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Re: Fantastic Fan Won't Open
« Reply #6 on: July 25, 2014, 07:23:56 AM »
The company can provide a fix and explanation of why this issue recurs, as have I and others in previous threads here.  Bob alluded to them.  It's a good idea to carefully crack the lid regularly, manually, and especially if it's gone unused for awhile, like in storage.  If it won't easily crack open, go up on the roof and gently pry the lid just barely enough to break the seal.  After that, if ever the lid doesn't readily open by motor drive, shut off the switch immediately before the motor strips out the drive - you can also tell because the motor sounds like it's bogging down a bit.  Once the gear strips the motor runs unchallenged, but it's too late then.

With time, the metal lid sticks tightly to the unit's roof seal and the motor is so strong it ultimately forces the screw drive to strip threads when the lid won't budge as designed.  The motor runs but the drive shaft has nothing left to turn, and it won't turn and raise manually either.  Supposedly cleaning the seal and lid edge and treating with Aero 303 lube/protectant helps, and an upgraded seal material is available, but I've still had problems with mine sticking shut.  So after repair, be sure to follow advice in my first paragraph above.  

If when I first try opening a long-stored lid (manually of course) it balks, I may leave the knob turned to put just a bit of strain on the lid, and come back later to see if the extra time helped crack it loose.  It can save a trip upstairs.

If you are heading to Redmond next month, check in with the Fantastic Fan booth, presuming there is one, and they likely will help you at little or no cost.

Joel
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Richard And Babs Ames

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Re: Fantastic Fan Won't Open
« Reply #7 on: July 25, 2014, 01:53:32 PM »
I recently bought a lift motor from them. They indeed have the now parts charge policy. They will ship the lift arm and motor for a price that I think is arround $50
« Last Edit: July 25, 2014, 04:43:20 PM by 282 »

Rick Vyncke

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Re: Fantastic Fan Won't Open
« Reply #8 on: July 27, 2014, 10:27:41 PM »
And the answer is.....

Needs a new lift arm assembly.  The part is about $35 plus about $15 in shipping.  As others have said, about $50 total.  All in all that seems reasonable to me.  Thanks for all the feedback. :)
Rick V
2004 Beaver Marquis, Garnet (3 slides)
43'
C12

Dwight Wilson

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Re: Fantastic Fan Won't Open
« Reply #9 on: July 28, 2014, 03:45:38 AM »
Yup $35.00 plus $12.95 shipping for the motor and lift arm assembly. Just received my replacement parts last week. Same problem. Pretty inexpensive, in my opinion and they were very courteous and quick to respond.
Dwight
Dwight Wilson
Calgary, Alberta
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Keith Oliver

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Re: Fantastic Fan Won't Open
« Reply #10 on: August 04, 2014, 02:39:20 AM »
Rick:

When this happens again, and it will, just go up on the roof and manually lift the lid off of its gasket, then go back down and turn it on again.  It should work again, until the next time tthe polycarbonate cover sticks to the rubber gasket.  The newer models just shut down when the lid sticks closed.  The older ones force the gear to run against the lift arm until something breaks.  The replacement lift arms are cheap due to the large numbers sold.  On the Fantastic Vent web site, the first of the FAQs is this very question.